Jewish museums have caught the soccer fever sweeping through Germany, which is hosting this year’s World Cup. Two exhibits have opened on the theme of Jews in German soccer history and will be open throughout the World Cup, which runs through early July, and a third is planned for the fall. “Kick it Like Kissinger”… More ▸
Berlin is bedecked in soccer balls. Atop telephone booths, decorating the TV tower, overshadowing the famous Brandenburg Gate, the familiar ball has just about taken over as Germany hosts this year’s World Cup of soccer. For the first time in decades, Germany is hosting an international sports event. But the monthlong event, which begins Friday,… More ▸
A Jewish player was named to Finland’s national soccer team. Roni Porokara, 22, played in Finland’s recent game against Sweden. Porokara is believed to be the first Jewish player on the Finnish national team since 1949. More ▸
The guest list at this year’s induction ceremony for the Montreal Jewish Sports Hall of Fame read like a who’s who of greats from the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens. Jean Beliveau, the team’s legendary former captain; Guy Lafleur, who brought fans around the NHL to their feet as he scored for the Canadiens’ Stanley… More ▸
Racist and anti-Semitic behavior at this summer’s World Cup in Germany could result in their country’s expulsion from the tournament, a soccer official warned. Sepp Blatter, head of FIFA, the managing body of world soccer, told the Sunday Times of London that racist behavior by the fans, players or management at this summer’s World Cup… More ▸
For four days, there were possibly more Jews in the Czech capital than at any time since World War II. They were so full of joy, bursting into song in the Old Town or trading shirts and pins with tourists, that many natives wondered how such a large group of mostly male visitors could be… More ▸
One recent rainy morning, Matias Mondschein visited kosher shops, trying to sell ad space for the fourth issue of his magazine. The deadline was rapidly approaching. “I feel quite lonely but I cannot allow myself to give up,” Mondschein, 28, told JTA. He is the fourth son of a traditional Jewish couple, born in the… More ▸
An Italian soccer player was given a one-game suspension for repeating a fascist salute on the field. Lazio’s Paolo Di Canio was banned after he raised his arm during a game this weekend. He made the same salute in a game last week and once last year. Di Canio could face additional suspensions. More ▸
An Italian soccer player is being criticized for raising his arm in a fascist salute. Piero Di Canio, who plays for Rome’s Lazio team, gave the salute to Lazio fans during a match in Livorno on Sunday. Di Canio, who has Fascist symbols tattooed on his arms, later said he was proud of the gesture. More ▸
A German soccer team apologized on behalf of fans who unfurled an anti-Semitic banner at a game Monday. The banner featured the word “Juden,” or Jews, with the letter D emphasized as a slur against the Dynamo Dresden team. The image was broadcast live on German television. Germany’s soccer scene is under increasing scrutiny as… More ▸
